I arise from my metaphorical grave to say that I hope you all had great holidays, whatever one(s) you may celebrate.
A cynical friend of mine got into a bit of a debate on Facebook about the meaning of Christmas and how humanity is treating our home planet, so I thought I'd post my input.
The following is essentially a short quip of my view on Christmas and how one should treat others as a non-Christian/non-religious person.
"I take Christmas as the time to show appreciation for the people you love around you.
I don't like to pretend that I really like someone. I will be respectful and kind, but I will not consider them a friend. And if I don't like someone I don't buy them a present, simple as that.
The over complification (lolnotaword) is trying to involve everyone you see into your life and trying to make them happy. If you don't like them and they don't like you, then fuck 'em.
As for our purposes: I agree with the fact that humans are destroying the world. However, people tend to lump everyone together. Instead of viewing the entire human race as one big bad thing, focus on the good people around you and do good to counteract all of the assholes out there.
Yes, the human race can be very self-centered, self-destructive, and self-focused, it's horribly depressing, I'm well aware, and while there isn't much you can do to change that right away, the best you can do is try and make an impact while you're here and affect those around you to do good with you.
There are many people around that make happiness a difficult thing to fight for, but, as I said, you have to focus on the good people around you that will support you.
Excuse me if what I've said seemed happy-go-lucky, Charlie Brown Christmas special-esque, but every word I said...er...typed, has every possible ounce of truth behind it.
All in all, the Christmas season, while it has been slandered by commercialism and idiots who have no idea how to raise children, to me is about appreciating the ones you love and being thankful for their presence in your life.
Jesus Christ may or may not have existed, Lord if I know, but if he's taught us anything, it's that you must be kind to your fellow man (or woman), be charitable, and see the good in people despite their faults. I'm no Christian, but I see these as basic unwritten laws, and even if it's hard at times, you could be able to help the world, even if by the slightest ounce, by helping to spread them."
As for my lack of activity lately, my apologies. The Christmas season has snuck up on me and I haven't had much time for really anything art-wise further than doodling during down time at work. After this next week I should have more time to take care of the things I need to do.
Again, I hope you all had/are having a great holiday season.
PS: Another small thought on my tendency to make dirty jokes:
"My mind is so far in the gutter it might as well be a Ninja Turtle."
Thank you and goodnight.